Epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminths among chickens (<em>Gallus domesticus</em>) from Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria: prevalence, helminth burden and associated risk factors

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminths among local and exotic breeds of chickens in Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. Fresh faecal samples (n=800) were collected from birds at live poultry markets (Maiduguri metropolis, Jere and Bama Local Government Areas) and Veterinary Hospitals. They were processed according to standard parasitological techniques. A total of 438 samples had one or more helminths, giving an overall prevalence of 54.8% (95%CI: 51.3 – 58.2). These included five nematodes, Ascaridia galli (14.6%), Heterakis gallinarum (9.8%), Capillaria spp. (5.5%), Strongyloides avium (4.1%), Subulura brumpti and three cestodes, Raillietina tetragona (6.6%), Raillietina echinobothrida (3.5%), Davainea proglottina (2.1%). Ascaridia galli were the most common helminths and Davainea proglottina were the least common. Epidemiological variables, such as sex (female), age (adults > 5mo), season (rainy), health status (clinically sick birds), breed (local birds) and study location (Veterinary Hospitals) had a significantly high impact (p<0.0001) on the prevalence of helminths. Single and mixed helminth infections were observed. Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum co-infection was frequently encountered, while Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum and Capillaria spp. infections were less common. In order to improve parasite control in poultry management systems and produce healthy chickens for human consumption, a long-term control plan for gastrointestinal helminth infections in the poultry production system is recommended.